Audi claim 188mpg for new A3 e-tron

Audi will unveil their new plug-in hybrid version of the Audi A3 at the Geneva Motor Show, claiming that it is capable of 188 mpg with just 35 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions.

Audi say the A3 e-tron gives “insight into how the technology will take shape in the Audi models of the future”.

The Audi A3 e-tron has a modified 1.4-litre TFSI engine with a peak power output of 150PS to provide the conventional power input. A clutch links this unit to a 75 kw electric motor, which is integrated into a newly-designed six-speed “e-S tronic” transmission delivering power to the front wheels.

Working together these two power units generate 204PS of power and 350PS of system torque. This gives the A3 e-tron a 0-62mph acceleration of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 138 mph. According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid cars, the A3 Sportback-based e-tron is capable of covering up to 188mpg with CO2 emissions of just 35g/km.

The Audi A3 e-tron can run exclusively on electric power for up to 31 miles at speeds up to 80 mph.